Kevin Johnson, a 28-year-old Black man from San Antonio, Texas, was fatally shot by San Antonio Police Department officers on March 14, 2022. Johnson was wanted on multiple felony warrants, including one for being a felon in possession of a firearm and another for violating his parole in a previous assault on a peace officer case. On the day of his death, Johnson was spotted riding a bicycle and was pursued by officers.
During the pursuit, Johnson ran through a shallow creek and was seen holding a gun as he exited the creek. Officers repeatedly shouted for him to drop the gun before firing multiple shots, ultimately killing him.
An autopsy report revealed that Johnson sustained 12 gunshot wounds, including eight in the back. The report labeled the manner of death as homicide. Despite the findings, a grand jury declined to indict the three officers involved in the shooting. The incident sparked significant community outcry, with Johnson's family and community members demanding the release of body camera footage and calling for accountability.
In the aftermath of the shooting, there were no arrests or suspects identified in connection with Johnson's death. The case did not lead to any litigations or murder charges against the officers involved. The investigation concluded with the grand jury's decision not to indict the officers, leaving the case unresolved in the eyes of many who believed excessive force was used.
The tragic death of Kevin Johnson highlighted ongoing concerns about police use of force and the need for transparency and accountability in such cases. His family continues to seek justice and answers regarding the circumstances of his death.